Denton County releases aerial spraying results

The Denton County Health Department announced the effectiveness of aerial mosquito spraying.

County health officials said that the spraying resulted in a reduction of 56 percent of all mosquito types, and 60 percent of the mosquito species that carry West Nile virus.

Several of the communities with the highest incidence rates in Denton County experienced the most dramatic reductions in mosquitoes as a result of aerial spraying, officials said.

Spraying was conducted by state contractor, Clarke, in portions of Denton County from August 31 to September 2. The firm also conducted aerial spraying in Dallas County.

Clarke provided mosquito surveillance, aerial application of the Duet pesticide on 565,629 acres of the county, and post-spray analysis of mosquito mortality.

“The number of new cases of West Nile virus has decreased substantially since aerial spraying; however, it is premature to conclude that these results are solely attributable to aerial spraying. It is important to remember that aerial spraying is one piece of a WNV control program. Ground spraying, larviciding, education, and personal protection are also vital aspects to prevention of this illness, and must continue throughout the remainder of West Nile virus season,” stated a press release from the Denton County Health Department.

Visit the DCHD West Nile virus website at www.dentoncounty.com/heart/wnv, or call the West Nile virus hotline (940-349-2907) for more details about symptoms, prevention tips, county-wide contacts, reducing mosquitoes around your home, and disease statistics.

As of Wednesday, there were a total of 167 cases of West Nile virus reported in Denton County year to date.